The Texas Rangers achieved much more than finally put Dallas area baseball on the map with a World Series title. They took themselves off of one of the worst lists in American sports — the longest active championship droughts. Yes, that makes this title even more glorious.
But that got us thinking.
With the Rangers finally off the hook, who actually possesses the longest title drought this side of the Atlantic Ocean? Who deserves to be admonished for never reaching the summit of their respective league? Who provides only consistent disappointment for their loyal fans year after year?
Let’s take a look at the five American sports teams with extended title droughts that don’t seem like they’re ending any time soon.
5
Atlanta Hawks (1958-Present, 65 years)
The Hawks technically have a title in their franchise’s existence, but that was when they were the St. Louis Hawks in 1958. They became the Atlanta Hawks and have endured mostly mediocrity and consistent disappointment in the years since.
4
Detroit Lions (1957-Present, 66 years)
The Lions are one of a handful of NFL teams never to win a championship during the Super Bowl era (1967 to present). However, during the halcyon days of Bobby Layne and Joe Schmidt, they were an NFL superpower, winning three championships in the 1950s. Aside from competitive upstart teams now and then — including Dan Campbell’s 2023 iteration — it’s essentially been nothing but misery for decades.
3
Sacramento Kings (1951-Present, 71 years)
The Kings haven’t won a title since they were known as the Rochester Royals in the National Basketball League (NBL) of 1951. (Yes, every last part of the second half of that sentence is real.) While the organization has had a rough go of it overall, the 21st century has been particularly challenging, with Sacramento posting just one winning season since 2006.
2
Cleveland Guardians (1948-Present, 75 years)
Even with a recent name change, nothing has shifted much in favor of the Guardians’ good vibes. After winning a World Series in 1948, Cleveland finally rose to prominence in the mid-1990s. It earned three AL pennants from 1996 to 2016 but lost each championship series, book-ended by an all-time epic heartbreaker defeat to the Chicago Cubs. Close, but no cigar.
1
Arizona Cardinals (1947-Present, 76 years)
Even with multiple name changes and relocations to different cities, the Cardinals have been a persistent pit of football anguish. They last won a title when they still shared Chicago with the Bears in 1947 and have yet to build on that success … over 75 years ago. The closest Arizona came to finally getting the title monkey off its back was a Super Bowl 43 appearance where Larry Fitzgerald played like the football gods’ favorite receiver and they still lost. That’s par for the course.
